A seemingly ordinary day unfolded at the academy for Ryu. He occupied the last seat, with Yuki beside him and Rin positioned directly across from him. Itsuki sat at Ryu's side, while their newfound companions, Minato and Haruto, were seated in the row ahead.
The instructor, who harbored a particular interest in Ryu, entered the classroom. A hush fell over the students as his gaze immediately sought out Ryu before he began speaking. "Today's lesson will be practical," he announced. "All students are to proceed to the forest and eliminate monster beasts." He paused, allowing the information to settle. "As you know, monsters are categorized into three tiers: the lowest are monster beasts, followed by demons capable of wielding magic but lacking higher intelligence. The apex consists of advanced demons—A-rank and A-plus rank—among which are king-rank demons, all ultimately subordinate to the Demon Lords. The number of monster beasts you slay will determine your points, with more powerful creatures yielding a greater score."
"But, sir, is this considered an examination?" Rin inquired.
"You may treat it as such," the teacher replied with a faint smile. "Superior performance here will grant you bonus points for your final evaluations." His expression then hardened, his gaze intensifying as he adjusted his glasses, focusing intently on Ryu.
Now, I must ascertain his capabilities. I require even a single clue to pursue him and locate that ancient crone. Otherwise, she remains a significant threat, the teacher contemplated silently.
The class subsequently moved to the grounds, where a vast magical circle awaited to teleport them to the examination site. Teams were mandatory for the hunt. Within Ryu's class was also the Third Prince, Kurodo, who had not forgotten his humiliating defeat against Kyros four years prior. Ryu, having been present and a known supporter of Kyros, was thus included in the prince's vendetta.
Prince Kurodo arrived with his own team, consisting of two sycophantic followers. He confided in them his desire to eliminate Ryu and his companions for their past insolence, a plan to which they readily agreed.
"Ensure you remember your roles," Kurodo commanded.
"Understood, boss," his subordinates chorused.
"Ryu, your reckoning awaits," Kurodo muttered under his breath.
---
The scene shifted to Ryu and his team—Yuki, Itsuki, and Rin—as they materialized within the forest.
"Friends, we must devise a strategy if we wish to excel. A haphazard approach could prove fatal here," Ryu asserted.
"Your words hold truth, Ryu," Itsuki concurred.
"Given your father was both a Royal Knight and a seasoned adventurer, you likely possess considerable knowledge of team tactics," Rin remarked.
"Perhaps, but I had limited time to train under him. Relying solely on me could lead to errors," Ryu admitted candidly.
"A regrettable truth. Therefore, we require a robust plan with a minimal chance of failure," Rin concluded.
They pondered in silence until Ryu suddenly spoke up. "A formation would optimize our combat effectiveness. Is anyone proficient in healing magic?"
"I am," Yuki offered. "I can employ both healing and enhancement spells, and I know a few rudimentary attack spells to disorient foes."
"An ideal composition," Ryu nodded. "My father's party always comprised a healer, a mage, and two attackers. While one attacker distracts the enemy, the other strikes. Our team mirrors that. Rin, you will serve as our primary mage, utilizing your superior magical offense. Yuki will focus on healing and enhancing our capabilities. Itsuki and I will act as the vanguard, leveraging our swordsmanship."
"A sound strategy, however..." Yuki hesitated.
"However, what, Yuki?" Rin pressed.
"However, we must first locate an adversary," Yuki pointed out.
"Ah, you're right, Yuki. Does anyone know a mana detection spell?" Rin asked.
"I learned one from Sister Akari," Ryu said. "But my mana control is still imprecise; I cannot guarantee its efficacy."
"Give it a try, Ryu. If it works, it will save us considerable effort," Itsuki encouraged.
"Very well, I shall attempt it," Ryu agreed.
He concentrated, invoking the spell without an incantation.
"Ryu! You're casting without chanting? And it's functioning—I can sense your mana. But why does it feel so... aberrant?" Yuki exclaimed.
"She's right. The mana flow is peculiar," Rin added, her voice laced with concern.
"You can sense it? Then it's useless if the skill's mana is detectable to others," Ryu sighed in frustration.
"The flow is distinctly unusual, almost malevolent. Ryu, was that an ancient spell?" Rin inquired, her curiosity piqued.
"How did you discern that, Rin?"
"My family possesses tomes on two ancient spells; I am familiar with the distinction between common and archaic magics."
"You are partially correct. It is ancient, but more precisely, it is a forbidden spell from antiquity," Ryu stated matter-of-factly.
Everyone stared in stunned silence.
"A... a forbidden ancient spell?" Rin whispered, aghast.
"Indeed."
"Ryu, are you being serious? Basic ancient magic is already considered forbidden in this era, and you're referring to a spell forbidden even among those?" Rin's voice trembled.
"I am aware. I deciphered some ancient scripts inscribed on stones within the academy's basement and managed to learn a few," Ryu explained casually.
"W-what? Those were spells? And you could read them?" the entire team gasped in unison.
---
The scene transitioned to the academy, where the Headmaster confronted the mysterious teacher at the teleportation circle.
"Have you lost your mind? You've teleported them to the Blazing Forest! Their lives are in grave peril!" the Headmaster roared.
"Rectify this immediately! Bring them back!" he commanded.
"My apologies, Headmaster. I... I am endeavoring to retrieve them," the teacher replied, his head bowed.
"Expedite your efforts!" the Headmaster barked before storming back to his office.
The moment he was gone, the teacher lifted his head, a sinister smile twisting his features.
---
Back in the forest, Prince Kurodo grumbled in irritation. "Why is there not a single monster in sight? Abandon the hunt. Locate Ryu and his team; we shall assault them directly."
"As you wish, boss," his lackeys replied.
---
"Something is amiss. Do you not feel it?" Ryu asked his team, his expression growing serious.
"You are correct, Ryu. There are no monsters, and the forest grows denser and more foreboding as we proceed," Yuki observed.
"That too, but there is something else... Companions... do you not perceive the strange aura emanating from this forest? The deeper we go, the more intense it becomes. Strangely, I feel empowered by it. This is anomalous; a monster's aura typically induces fear or weakness in its opponents," Ryu elaborated.
"Your observation is astute, Ryu. This is truly unfathomable," Rin admitted.
"We have no alternative but to press forward. Perhaps we will discover a clue to our escape," Yuki suggested.
"But I confirmed with seniors that the examination area is a normal forest teeming with beasts. This environment is entirely different," Rin countered.
"You are right, Rin. The trees have a crimson hue, growing darker and redder the further we venture. This cannot be natural. I suspect an illusion," Ryu deduced.
"That is a plausible theory," Rin agreed.
"Does anyone know of the Dark Cult?" Itsuki interjected.
"The Cult? Could this be a trap set by those wretched fanatics?" Ryu's voice seethed with sudden, palpable anger.
"Possibly, but how are you familiar with them?" Rin asked.
"Because my father was murdered by that cult," Ryu snarled.
As his rage erupted, an immense aura exploded from him, saturating the area. Intricate magic circles materialized on the ground beneath them before shattering into countless fragments. Ryu levitated, enveloped in a brilliant blue energy, and the illusion around them fractured like glass, dissolving into nothingness. Then, his energy spent, Ryu collapsed, unconscious.
"Ryu! What is happening? Are you alright? Please, answer me!" Yuki cried, cradling his head in her lap, her voice fraught with panic.
"Ryu, wake up! Why did you expend all your mana?" Rin exclaimed, rushing to his side.
With the illusion broken, the entire class, including Prince Kurodo and his team, found themselves returned to reality.
"The world shattered like a mirror? How is that possible?" Kurodo stammered in shock.
"Boss, I sensed an immense, strange mana surge just before the break," one subordinate reported.
"As did I. Was all of that merely an illusion?" Kurodo muttered, then thought, The Cult did not warn me of this. How could this happen? I must escape and demand an explanation.
---
Ryu slowly opened his eyes to find himself resting on Yuki's lap.
"Yuki... what transpired? My memory is hazy," he murmured.
"Ryu! You're finally awake! You were unconscious for nearly four hours!" Yuki replied, a relieved smile breaking through her worry.
Ryu noticed the tension in Rin and Itsuki's postures and the faint traces of tears on Yuki's cheeks.
"Yuki... were you crying?"
"N-no, Ryu," she denied, blushing as she hastily wiped her eyes.
"Rin! Itsuki! Ryu has awakened!" Yuki called out.
"Truly?" they both exclaimed, rushing over. Rin immediately embraced Ryu tightly.
"Rin, what are you doing?" Ryu asked, a gentle smile gracing his lips.
"It is a profound relief that you are unharmed," Itsuki said, his voice thick with emotion.
---
"Was this the epicenter of the mana eruption?" Kurodo demanded, arriving at the clearing with his team.
"Yes, boss. It's just ahead."
"Let's move."
They soon found Ryu's team in the open area.
"The bastard is here as well. Perfect. I can pin the blame on him and eliminate him effortlessly now," Kurodo schemed.
"Ryu!" he bellowed, his voice echoing with malice.
Ryu and his team turned toward the sound.
"Is that the Third Prince?" Ryu asked.
"That useless scum. He constantly glares at you with murderous intent in the academy. Now he has found his opportunity," Rin spat.
"Do not concern yourself, Rin. He is incapable of so much as scratching us," Ryu declared with unwavering confidence.
Kurodo approached, then ordered his subordinates to cast their spells.
"Boss! We cannot invoke our magic!" they cried in panic.
"What? Let me try!" Kurodo attempted a spell, but to his horror, nothing happened. "Impossible!"
"He cannot utilize magic here, and his swordsmanship is inferior to trash," Ryu stated calmly.
Kurodo drew his sword, his face contorted with fury.
Ryu stepped forward to meet him. "You find yourself unable to cast magic, correct?" Ryu said, and then he began to glow with a soft luminescence, a simple spell forming effortlessly at his fingertips. "Indeed, conventional elemental magic is nullified here. Only light or dark elemental magic can be invoked. And you, unfortunately, possess neither."
Terror gripped Kurodo's team. His subordinates, in a panic, grabbed the prince and fled into the forest.
Ryu's team erupted into laughter.
"Ryu, how did you discern that other magics were ineffective here?" Yuki asked, amazed.
"I conducted a few preliminary tests upon regaining consciousness," Ryu revealed.
"I have heard tales of this place from Master Akari," Rin interjected.
"Sister Akari knows of this place?" Ryu asked, surprised.
"Indeed, Ryu. This is the Blazing Forest."
"The Blazing Forest... I have heard that name before. For some reason, this place feels... familiar, as if I have been here in a past life," Ryu mused, his tone grave.
"It must be your imagination, but I was unaware the forest could generate illusions," Yuki said.
"Precisely," Rin confirmed.
"Our primary objective is to locate an exit," Itsuki reminded them.
"Indeed, Itsuki. You are correct," Ryu agreed.
They set off in a unified direction.
---
The scene shifted back to the academy, where Akari and the First Prince, Kael, stood before the teleportation circle.
"This bears the hallmark of the Dark Cult. But how did they infiltrate the academy?" Akari whispered.
"Sister Akari," Kael called, approaching.
"Kael, your timing is impeccable."
"Sister, I heard of the incident. Was Ryu participating in the examination?" Kael asked, concern etching his features.
"Yes, he was."
"Then we must not delay. Let us enter."
"Agreed. The Headmaster believes the circle is now linked to the Blazing Forest."
"The Blazing Forest? That is exceedingly dangerous for Ryu, especially with his unstable mana control!"
"Then we must hasten to his aid."
They stepped into the circle and activated it.
"Sister Akari, this does not resemble the Blazing Forest," Kael remarked, gazing at their surroundings.
"You are right, Kael. What manner of place is this?" Akari wondered aloud.
The landscape was dominated by crimson-red trees and jagged mountain peaks.
As they advanced, Kael frowned. "Sister, I am unable to cast magic here."
"I am similarly constrained, Kael. This area seems to suppress magical energy, though I can still feel my innate dark elemental affinity. However, utilizing it would demand a tremendous amount of mana, which I dare not expend recklessly here."
"Mana conservation is paramount," Kael agreed.
---
Ryu's team, weary from their long trek, discovered a cave entrance and decided to rest.
"It is proving exceedingly difficult to find a way out," Yuki sighed.
"Indeed, Yuki. But we cannot surrender. The academy is likely unaware of our location; we are on our own," Ryu said.
"I have a foreboding sensation, Ryu. It feels as though a great peril awaits us," Itsuki confessed.
"You are not wrong. Well—" Ryu was cut off as a strange sound echoed from deep within the cave. "What was that?"
"What manner of sound was that?" Itsuki asked, tense.
"It is peculiar. If a monster were present, we should be able to sense its presence," Rin noted.
"Let us investigate. Remaining here offers no guarantee of safety. We must venture inside and confront whatever lies within if we are to gather any information that might lead to our escape," Ryu declared.
"Then let us proceed," Itsuki affirmed.
---
Akari and Kael, meanwhile, found themselves in a vast, open clearing dominated by an ancient graveyard.
"Wait... W-what? A graveyard?" Akari stammered, shocked.
"Impossible... How can a graveyard exist here?" Kael echoed her disbelief.
"And look—a large grave in the center. There is an inscription... in ancient script," Akari said, moving closer.
They approached the central tombstone. The script is identical to that in the book I procured from the library, yet I still cannot decipher it, Akari thought.
Suddenly, a magic circle flared to life beneath their feet, and they were instantly teleported to a cavernous space with no visible exit. In the center of the chamber rested a massive, cracked magic crystal, pulsing with a faint light, surrounded by a complex, damaged magic circle etched into the floor.
[It was the same location that had reacted to Ryu and his artifacts at the conclusion of Chapter 1.]
As they observed their surroundings, several stone constructs—golems—lurched to life and launched a swift attack. Akari and Kael barely managed to evade the first assault.
"They are hostile!" Kael shouted.
"Kael, we must destroy them! I suspect that is our only means of egress!" Akari commanded.
"Understood!"
---
Ryu's team ventured deep into the cave, eventually reaching its terminus.
"We have reached the end, and it is deserted," Yuki noted.
"Perhaps, but there is something here," Ryu said, his eyes fixed on a small, pillar-like pedestal. Upon it rested a faintly glowing magical crystal.
Ryu reached out and picked up the crystal. As he did, the ring on his finger shimmered, and the crystal vanished, absorbed into it.
"Ryu! What happened?" Rin cried.
"I do not know! It just... disappeared! Again, my ring has acted of its own accord!" Ryu thought, bewildered.
Abruptly, a magic circle materialized on the cavern floor beneath them, and they were teleported away.
They rematerialized in the very chamber where Akari and Kael were desperately fending off the golems. Both were heavily injured.
"Sister! Brother Kael! How did you get here?" Ryu exclaimed in shock, noticing their wounds. "Sister, what happened? Why are you injured?"
"Ryu, behind you! Evade now!" Akari screamed.
Ryu spun around, his eyes widening at the sight of the attacking golems. He dodged nimbly, instantly grasping the situation. His team rushed to Akari and Kael's side, attempting to administer healing, while Ryu and Itsuki stood ready to face the stone automatons.
As Ryu's eyes fell upon the central cracked crystal and the magic circle, a foreign thought violently forced its way into his mind, causing him immense pain. Simultaneously, a surge of energy erupted from the crystal and streamed into his body.
Ryu began to float, a dark, oppressive aura erupting from him. In an instant, his demeanor transformed entirely, as if another entity now possessed his form.
"Cease," he commanded, his voice resonating with a deep, authoritative rudeness that was not his own.
The golems instantly froze in place.
He turned and strode toward Kael, Akari, and the others. "Who are you, and how dare you trespass upon my domain?" demanded the entity controlling Ryu.
"Ryu! What is wrong with you?" Akari cried, aghast.
"Ryu? Who is this 'Ryu' you speak of? Why do you address me as a familiar? I am Daisuke Mahoshi. Where is Kiyomi?" the corrupted Ryu demanded.
"What are you saying? I know no Daisuke. But... you named a Demon Queen? Are you an entity from antiquity?" Yuki asked, her voice trembling.
"Demon Queen? You impudent child! How dare you refer to her as a demon!" the entity roared, moving to strike Yuki.
Akari interposed herself, shielding Yuki.
"Wait! That aura... You bear the bloodline of Kiyomi-sama! Are you the daughter of Sora-sama?" the entity asked, its tone shifting to one of confusion.
Akari's eyes widened in shock as countless thoughts raced through her mind. "W-what?" she whispered.
The corrupted Ryu seemed to calm slightly. "Speak, girl. Are you the daughter of Sora-sama or Yoko-sama? Haru has yet to wed."
"You... you know those names? I am not their direct descendant, but I belong to the bloodline of the Dark Goddess, Sora," Akari managed.
"'Goddess'? You jest! Though you do carry her lineage, 'Goddess'? She was a formidable woman, but you speak as if she were your ancestor."
"She walked the earth millennia ago—five thousand years, during the era of the Great Tragedy."
"Five thousand years? Are you mad, child?" the entity scoffed.
"I speak the truth! But tell me, do you know what this place is?"
"This place? This is my domain, the Crimson Cave, located within the Crimson Valley."
"The Crimson Valley? The one that was utterly destroyed during the Great Tragedy?" Akari pressed.
"I know not of this 'Tragedy,' but yes, this is the Crimson Valley. It seems a powerful curse has been laid upon your perception. Allow me." The entity gestured, and a brilliant magic circle appeared beneath Akari, enveloping her in a pure, white light.
"I... I feel stronger! My injuries are healed!" Akari gasped.
"A simple light magic. It appears your bloodline remains dormant. You must train diligently to awaken it," the entity advised. "I wish to show you something." Akari produced the book she had obtained from the library: Fragment of Divine Light, Born by the Blood of Shadows.
The entity—Daisuke—took the book and opened it. "This... this is Haru-sama's handwriting!" he exclaimed.
"Can you tell me of its contents?"
"I shall teach you the language. I believe she wrote of things yet to come." Daisuke cast another spell, a complex magic circle merging with Akari. "Now, try."
"I... I can read it! Thank you, Elder!" Akari said, her voice filled with awe. "But, Elder, you are currently inhabiting the body of my younger brother."
Daisuke looked down at Ryu's hands. "Ah, I see... I recall now. My own disciple betrayed and slew me... Forgive the imposition; this is but a fragment of my soul. I shall return you all to your rightful place."
"Please, wait! There are many other students lost in this forest. Can you send them back as well?" Yuki pleaded.
"Hmm, very well. And who might you be, fair child?"
"She is a friend of the boy whose form you inhabit," Akari explained.
"I see. A gift for you, then. My blessing shall remain with you." He cast another spell, a gentle light settling upon Yuki. "And give this magic stone to the boy. I cannot maintain this state without an anchor." He summoned a golden-hued magic crystal.
"We shall, Elder. Thank you," Akari said.
"Farewell. Perhaps we shall meet again." Daisuke, using Ryu's body, cast one final, grand teleportation circle that enveloped everyone.
Ryu's body went limp, collapsing into unconsciousness. Akari caught him as the circle activated, and they, along with every other student, were instantly teleported back to the academy grounds.
The students, bewildered but safe, soon learned that Ryu's actions had been their salvation, and they offered their silent gratitude.
---
Ryu awoke in his own bed at home. Yuki and Akari were watching over him.
Yuki immediately embraced him tightly, murmuring her thanks. Confused, Ryu looked to Akari for explanation.
"Worry not, everything is resolved now," she reassured him.
He returned Yuki's hug gently, patting her head. "Yuki, please, tell me what transpired."
"Not now, Ryu. Just rest. I am simply relieved you are safe," Yuki whispered, holding him tighter, her cheeks flushed.
Akari smiled softly. "Ryu, you are truly a gifted individual."
---
Later that night, Ryu sat on the balcony, lost in thought. Akari joined him.
"Unable to sleep, Ryu?"
"No, Sister. I am preoccupied with thoughts of this ring." He recounted the events in the forest, including the ring absorbing the crystal from the cave. Akari, in turn, explained their conversation with the entity, Daisuke, and handed him the golden magic stone the elder had provided.
As Ryu took it, the ring shimmered once more, and the stone vanished into it.
"This is an exceedingly strange artifact," Akari murmured.
"Indeed, Sister. It defies all logical comprehension," Ryu agreed.
---
In a dark, secluded cave elsewhere, a hooded figure knelt before his superior.
"You are utterly useless! How could you allow the plan to fail?" the general thundered.
"My most sincere apologies, General! Please, grant me another chance! I have devised a new strategy; it will not fail again!" the hooded man begged.
"Very well. This is your final opportunity. Fail me again, and your life is forfeit."
"Thank you, General! Your mercy is boundless!"
...